Metrópole

Legião Urbana's song 'Metrópole' offers a stark and critical view of urban life, focusing on the themes of bureaucracy, indifference, and the morbid fascination with disaster. The lyrics open with a vivid image of blood, contrasting it with Merthiolate, a common antiseptic, to emphasize the reality and severity of the situation. This sets the stage for a commentary on how society is more interested in the spectacle of tragedy than in addressing its causes or helping those affected. The line 'Estão todos satisfeitos com o sucesso do desastre' (Everyone is satisfied with the success of the disaster) underscores this morbid fascination, suggesting that people find excitement in real accidents and disasters, especially when they are broadcast on television.

The song then shifts to a critique of bureaucratic systems, highlighting the dehumanizing and often absurd nature of administrative processes. Phrases like 'Sem carteirinha não tem atendimento' (Without a card, there's no service) and 'Todos com a documentação' (Everyone with documentation) illustrate how individuals are reduced to mere paperwork and procedures. The repetition of 'Ordens são ordens' (Orders are orders) further emphasizes the rigid and unfeeling nature of these systems, where rules and regulations take precedence over human needs and compassion.

In the final verses, the song portrays a sense of resignation and helplessness. The speaker mentions the need for a receipt to prove residency and the casual way in which blood is cleaned up, as if it were just another mundane task. The line 'E agora eu já vou indo senão perco a novela' (And now I'm leaving, or I'll miss my soap opera) highlights the trivial concerns that overshadow more serious issues. This juxtaposition of the trivial and the tragic serves to critique the superficiality and indifference prevalent in urban society, where personal entertainment often takes priority over collective well-being.